Iain M. Banks was born in the year 1954, in the city of Fife, Scotland. After completing his high school education, Lain M. Banks attended Sterling University, where he studied Psychology, Philosophy, and Literature in English. Iain later on moved to London where he resided up to 1988, before returning to Fife, where he resided with his wife. Iain Banks is currently one of the most successful and unique authors since he attained success in two genres literary and mainstream fiction and the Science Fiction books which he authored under the names of Iain M. Banks.

Banks’ very first novel, The Wasp Factory, was published in the year 1984, after being rejected by more than five publishers. The Wasp Factory, which was published by McMillan, became a huge success. The narrator in this novel is Frank Cauldhame, a sixteen-year-old boy who resides with his reticent father in a secluded house on the north-eastern side of Scotland. Despite being 16 years of age, Frank lives in a world full of private rituals such as the torturing of animals and killings are exceedingly common. The explanation regarding Frank’s obsessiveness and isolation is astonishingly revealed in one of the many climaxing plot twists that Iain Banks has become known for.

After the first novel was published, Banks went ahead and released yet another book, Walking Glass, a book that is composed of 3 separate accounts whose connections are intentionally made obscure until towards the very end of the novel. One of these accounts may appear to be a science fiction, and it also points out the author’s why the author was strongly interested in this genre. With that said, the author’s well-crafted books and novels have attracted the attention of many broadcasters and filmmakers. BBC successfully adapted the author’s 1992 novel, which was titled Crow Road, into a 4-part television program. Another novel, which was adapted by the screenplay, is Espadair Street, which was produced by the critically acclaimed BBC television network. Banks was contracted to write the lyrics and music, which accompanied the program.

Plans to turn The Bridge, Wasp Factory and Complicity into television programs is currently underway. The film writes for these books have already been sold, while Banks has been contracted to write the songs for each of this books. On the 3rd of April, 2003, Banks made known to the world through his personal website that he had been diagnosed with gallbladder terminal cancer and he was unlikely to live past one year. On 9 June 2013, Banks was pronounced dead.

The Wasp Factory

Apart from being the author’s debut novel, The Wasp Factory is also one of the best performing book series by the Iain M. Banks. In this installment, the narrator is Frank Cauldehame, a 16-year-old boy who is more than keen on explaining a mystery. Frank resides with his laid-back father in a secluded house, which is located on the North Eastern side of Scotland. His father not only has secrets but also dissembles. His father has a study room, which is always locked round the clock, and Frank has never entered the study room ever since he was of a tender age. From time to time, Frank tries to unlock the door, while hoping that his father may at one time forget to lock the door. In this installment, we get to know about Frank’s only friend, a dwarf who at least once or twice every week crosses the bridge with Frank to the mainland to have several drinks.

Like most mysteries, we the readers are more than certain that we are going to enter this mysterious room before the novel concludes. Told using the first person, this book is a riveting story from the very first page to the last. As the story continues, Frank unfolds to the readers the story of his life. Frank reveals a violent mythology, where animals became sacrificial victims with private rituals being done in the imitation of religion. Frank also reveals how he managed to kill three boys early in his life and does not plan to kill anyone else. Apart from the plot where Frank gives the readers the detailed information about his childhood, there is also another plot, which involves his brother Eric, who has been admitted to a mental institution.

Just like his first novel, Banks has once again attempted in the most realistic mode to portray the exceedingly corrosive nature of contemporary Britain through the demoralizing effect of the nation on the book’s characters. The remaining bit of the book is science fiction. With that said, one may truly wonder as to why the author had to infuse these two genres together. In this installment, the author introduces the reader to one Graham who is only 19 years of age and a Callow Student of Art. Graham falls for an exceedingly dark divorcee who goes by the name of Sara and was introduced to Graham through one his gay friends. Sara from time to time flirts with Graham, telling him that she is psyching up so that she could be able to break up with his biker boyfriend, whom Graham has never met before.

Apart from these two characters, the author also introduces the reader to one Stephen Grout, who is a semi-divine lunatic who from time to time is persuasively drawn into scenes. His boss has just fired Stephen since he works for a construction company. With that said, this story has three separate stories. The first story revolves around Graham Park and his love for Sara, while the second story revolves around Stephen Grout, the laborer, who is unable to retain his job due to his rather disruptive temper. Stephen is not only paranoid, but he also believes that they are individuals who are after him by making use of exceedingly lethal microwaves. The third story is about Quiss and Ajayi two prisoners who reside in a surreal castle.

These two men are held captive for failing during the war against Benality as soldiers. Quiss and Ajayi are required to answer certain riddles so that they can be released from the science fiction hell, something that they miss from time to time. Overall, Banks has managed to connect three different events in the final pages of the novel. In this pages the reader gets to know what happed to Graham and Sara; the scene is exceedingly shocking that will undoubtedly leave the reader numb.

Master of the standalone thriller genre, Shari Lapena, is back. Author of The Couple Next Door and A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest is the latest novel by Shari. It takes place in a cozy mountain lodge in Winter where various people are staying for a romantic getaway. A blizzard cuts off the power and any contact with the outside world so everyone settles in for the long haul. Then a guest dies. And another. Knowing Shari's other books, this should be one we'll be reading late into the night. For more details or to pre-order, visit our Shari Lapena page.

Recommendations

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Featured Series

Our book series of the month is the Will Robie Series by David Baldacci. If you like Mitch Rapp, Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne etc then you'll love the Will Robie series. These are page turners to the max too and Baldacci knows how to keep you going all night long!

Featured Author

Bill Wenham is the author of various book series including The Inspector Charrington Mysteries and the Inspector Bruce Mysteries. He just started writing in his 80s to follow a life long dream. It’s an amazing story and the books he has written are pretty great too – his passion really shines through. Read more about Bills books.

Did You Know…

Joseph Finder has quite the pedigree studying at both Yale and Harvard. He can speak many languages including Farsi, and initially worked for the CIA before deciding to go the route of an author.